3 Ways to Find Your People: Networking 101

In business, there is a lot of talk about competition, especially when we learn the theory, but one of the most important skills in business is something that cannot be taught, but rather experienced, and that is the ability to network. Running a business does not have to be a solo journey just like life itself. In fact, building upon your network can drastically enrich your life in many key areas such as happiness, success, wealth, and relationships. One of the most valuable benefits of networking is being around people who just get you. Sometimes the people we are close to, such as family and friends, aren’t on the same journey as us and that’s okay. We all have had different experiences and therefore have different needs and desires. Still, being around people who understand what it's like to feel alone, people who may be more experienced in running a business and can offer you advice and guidance, or even people who are just starting out like you, can help you develop the belief and willpower you need to stay motivated.

There is a popular saying that if you're the smartest in the room, you're in the wrong room. You never want to be the smartest person in the room because you always want to be learning from others. What are they doing? How are they doing it? Why are they doing it?

It is still always good to be able to share your own insights and provide value to others but there has to be a balance, so that you can also learn and grow yourself.

Especially with meeting people in person, you are able to show who you are authentically more than you may be able to online. If people feel more connected to you then they may be more likely to buy from you or to promote or refer you to others.

So where to start?

Attending Events

I have personally attended many in person events and trainings and met so many amazing people. Last year, I attended a one-day seminar. Over a year later, I have been to four more of his events totalling over $10,000. I went for free. He saw potential in me. He gave me a chance and in return, I have grown so much. That all happened because I chose to step out of my comfort zone and go to an event that I thought I would find value in. I was 14 years old. Never feel like you won’t fit in. Networking is important because of the difference in each person’s experience and being. That’s how we learn and grow. I actually just went to two networking events yesterday and was asked to speak at one of them for their next meeting. You never know what opportunities will manifest when you align with who you want to be and where you need to be.

All of this to say, it’s okay to start small. You can find many local groups and events on platforms like Eventbrite, Humanitix, and Facebook. You can also find a bunch of online events like webinars which can be a great place to start.

Meeting a range of different people can also give you a better idea of the type of people or groups you really like and connect with the most. That’s how you find your people – seeing the characteristics, beliefs, and values of different groups in real time. It can also help you set boundaries now that you have learned what you need through who you align with the most.

Targeting

Another way to find your people is to target those who you are interested in or those who have value you can learn from. Sometimes we have people we look up to in business or even celebrities, and with the rise of social media and technology, you can reach out to literally anyone. Now don’t get upset if Taylor Swift doesn’t respond to your DM, but what you can try is finding people who are doing what you want to be doing a year from now. Consider your goals. Where do you want to be in a year’s time and who is at that stage right now? These people may be more likely to respond and can realistically help you from where you are right now. Building these connections now can also be super valuable in the future. Imagine you met your favourite celebrity when they were just starting out.

Build Upon The Circle

People know people. That’s why it’s called a NETwork. Connection is like a spider’s web, and everyone knows someone they could introduce you to. Once you have met a wide range of individuals or groups, you might find yourself referring to others and helping them connect with each other. You get to start merging your groups which benefits everyone. You can meet others through the people you have now made a connection with. This is so important in not just the business world but also life. It isn’t a competition or a race, we can improve the world by helping each other grow.